Sleepless in St Ives - Danny Fox

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To the casual observer, the St Ives art scene can appear pretty stifled.

Admittedly, there are innumerable galleries lining Fore Street, the Wharf and the town centre. Most, though, seem to ignore the lineage of innovation long associated with the town.

The foundations were laid by the likes of Wallis, Hepworth and Nicholson, but their forward-thinking efforts have been lost in a sea of laziness.

The politics of what sells is obvious in the endless repetition of sun-drenched beaches and ubiquitous seascapes. Much of this work is well executed, but far too clinical and commercial to appeal to this writer.

Living in a first floor flat in Fore Street, painter Danny Fox is right at the heart of the town, yet his work seems to transcend his surroundings, and he eschews the literal, observational style popular with so many Cornish artists.

“My paintings aren’t influenced by my surroundings too much. They’re more to do with stuff that happens to me, thoughts in my head.”
Despite the St Ives house style, Danny’s work is gaining a strong local following.

“I’m pleased with the response. I guess people must be fed up with seeing a harbour full of boats and all those Cornish landscapes.

“I respect those artists, but often it’s a way to put a few more noughts on the price tag. I’ve always felt that some of the older artists don’t particularly like my style, but that’s why it’s something new, more of a rebellion.”

We discuss galleries and some of the problems Danny has encountered getting exhibited,
“I’ve approached galleries in town, but they generally want 40% commission, which isn’t really possible for me. I want to keep the prices low so anyone who’s really interested can buy at least one painting. Even if they have to save up, people my age can afford it, that’s hugely important to me.”

Danny got interested in art at school and first exhibited at 16.
“I first painted on wood when I was 14, and then when I left school I became really absorbed, particularly in stencils and graffiti-style work at home.
“The summer I left school, I got an exhibition at the Beach Hut restaurant on Tregenna Hill. There was about 15 paintings and I sold them all, some to locals and quite a few to visitors.”

In 2003 Danny exhibited work at the Isobar, St. Ives, and has since taken part in the collaborative Small Pictures Show at Penzance’s Rainy Day Gallery and a solo show at the Porthgwidden Café, St. Ives.

Still only 19, he is working on commissioned pieces from home, but is looking for opportunities to exhibit.

Sometimes he replicates a famous image, such as that of Otis Redding, used in the piece ‘Cigarettes and Coffee’.
“I love portraits, and have a thing for faces and figures. Mixed in with abstract colour and writing, that’s what I do.
“I’m only 19, but already I’m bored of my early stuff. I’m always looking to develop it, and recently I’ve been getting more caught up in the abstraction.”

Danny Fox’s work ranges in price from £100 for a small piece to £350 for a large portrait. For more information contat him on 07881 636 500.